OJAI, CA… Los Padres National Forest’s Ojai Ranger District has temporarily closed a popular hiking trail following an incident on October 19 where a hiker was attacked by a bear.

The Gridley Trail is closed to hikers through Nov. 2 while officials review conditions and evaluate public safety. It is the time of year when bears migrate downhill to find food sources during the fall and winter. Their food sources become limited by the end of the summer and they travel greater distances or to lower elevations to find food. In the area of the Gridley Trail, bears have been observed recently in the avocado orchards, but also in the upper sections of the trail.

“It is imperative that hikers using the Forest trails understand bear behaviors and take appropriate actions to provide for their safety,” said Charlie Robinson, Recreation Officer on the Ojai Ranger District. “Generally, bears are more active in the morning and evening hours, and hikers are encouraged to use another trail or hike at another time of day to avoid encountering bears.”

Bears inhabit the Forest and can be found within our communities. If you are attacked by a bear, seek immediate medical attention and contact the California Department of Fish and Game at 951-782-4353.

For further information, contact Irvin Fox-Fernandez at (805) 646-4348, or visit the Ojai District office at 1190 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023.